Ground squirrels are a particularly annoying and destructive type of landscape and garden pest. Not only can they destroy plants or consume your garden’s fruits and vegetables, but they can also do considerable damage to sprinkler heads and irrigation lines. They can even topple trees and large shrubs if their burrows disrupt the root systems too much, or kill trees by stripping them of their bark. In rare circumstances, ground squirrels can do costly damage to buildings or other structures by burrowing beneath the foundation.
The most common type of ground squirrel found in the Fallbrook area is the California ground squirrel. Their bodies range in size from about 9 to 11 inches, and they have a tail that is usually another five to nine inches long. Their brownish gray fur has off-white speckles along the back.
Ground squirrels live most of their lives in burrows two to four feet below the ground’s surface, where they sleep, store food, raise their young, and retreat for safety. They usually emerge in the early part of the day to forage for food, although they will typically stay close to their burrows to do so.
Ground squirrels are herbivores, feeding on everything from grass to herbaceous plants to fruit, nuts, and seeds. In areas like Fallbrook, which have mild winters, ground squirrels can be active all year round (in areas with colder winters, ground squirrels will hibernate). They breed in the winter, giving birth to litters averaging about seven to eight. Young ground squirrels can begin emerging from the burrow and foraging for food as early as six weeks from birth.
Ground Squirrel Elimination and Control for Fallbrook Homes
Ground squirrels can be eliminated and controlled using several different methods. The method our Fallbrook pest control company uses is determined by the severity of the ground squirrel infestation, as well as the time of year. For example, when the number of ground squirrels on your property is low to moderate, we may use baited traps. In other circumstances, fumigation may be the best tactic for eliminating ground squirrels.
If there is a major infestation of ground squirrels at your Fallbrook home or business, it may be necessary to employ an ongoing control strategy.
A Word About DIY Methods of Ground Squirrel Control
While there are products on the shelves of home improvement and garden stores that are designed to kill or trap ground squirrels, it is recommended that you contact a professional pest control company. Ground squirrels can carry harmful diseases, so their carcasses must be properly handled. In addition, you want to employ methods that won’t unintentionally harm children or pets, and that will be most effective given the type of pest problem you have.
Contact Knockout for Pest Control Service in Fallbrook
At Knockout Pest Control in Fallbrook, our landscape pest control experts know how to eliminate ground squirrels effectively, while keeping your children and pets safe. If you are experiencing a problem with ground squirrels, contact us today. We will come to your Fallbrook home or place of business for a free inspection and give you an estimate on removal services.
